In the IELTS Writing test Task 1, test takers are presented with graphs, tables, charts, diagrams or maps or a combination of these. You are asked to write a report (a minimum of 150 words) which identifies the main features and gives comparisons and contrasts. A formal academic writing is required in this task and you need to avoid giving personal opinions or using informal language.

Specific language areas needed for this task are: describing trends/changes, describing the size of the change, comparing, contrasting, and sequencing.